People v. Edwards

OPINION OF THE COURT

Gustin L. Reichbach, J.

This case presents an issue of apparent first impression, to wit, what are the consequences, if any, if an attorney withdraws a previously filed notice of a defendant’s intention to testify *474before the grand jury (CPL 190.50), without consultation with or consent from his client?

The defendant, Marley Edwards, was arrested and arraigned on December 18, 2001 and charged with various counts of rape and sexual abuse relating to an incident, which had allegedly occurred almost one year earlier. The criminal court complaint and subsequent indictment allege…